MEDIA RELEASE PR36164
Mohammed Officially Launches Dubai Metro
DUBAI, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially launched Dubai Metro's red
line, the world's longest and the Middle East's first fully automated,
driverless rail transport system, built at a cost of Dh7.6 billion. Sheikh
Mohammed announced the official opening at Mall of the Emirates Station and
said that the metro would open its doors to commuters on Thursday, September
10.
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Sheikh Mohammed booked the first ticket at the station, accompanied by
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai
Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum,a number of sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, senior
officials and a host of Arab and foreign media representatives.
Sheikh Mohammed, along with his guests, boarded the metro from Mall of
the Emirates Station heading for DIFC Station, where he placed a large UAE
gold coin featuring his picture on one side with the image of the metro on
the inverse. He was briefed by Chairman of the Board and Executive Director
of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mattar Al Tayer on the idea of making
the UAE gold coin as a memento of the great event, the first of its kind in
the region.
Next Sheikh Mohammed and his guests continued their metro journey heading
for Khalid bin Waleed Station, where he unveiled a crystal plaque inscribed
with a poem dedicated to him.
Sheikh Mohammed's fourth stop was at Union Station, where he inspected a
number of paintings and pictures depicting the UAE's past and its people.
There, he also signed a secret letter which was sealed and awaits Sheikh
Mohammed's order for opening.
After that, Sheikh Mohammed moved to DIA Terminal Three Station where he
watched automated ticket bookings and unveiled a large picture for himself
with more than 500 pictures of His Highness at different occasions.
Sheikh Mohammed's last stop was at Al Rashidiyah Station, where he fixed
the missing part of the metro model there. He inspected the various
facilities at the station and expressed happiness about this achievement,
describing it as a source of great pride, not only for the people of the UAE,
but for all Arabs.
In a statement to the media, Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE, under the
wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
continues to face all challenges and is capable of achieving more progress in
all development sectors, pointing to the metro project which he described as
one of the biggest achievements. Sheikh Mohammed praised the RTA's work team
for their great efforts in accomplishing the project, which supports the UAE
economy and enhances industry and tourism in the country.
Contact:
Mona Khalil
Senior Officer - PR Section
Roads & Transport Authority
Marketing & Corporate Communications
P.O.Box: 118899
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tel.: +971-4-290-6557 (Working hours 7.30 to 14.30 only)
Fax : +971-4-206-5220
Email: media@rta.ae
SOURCE: Roads and Transport Authority
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